Definitely a series! The second book, 'Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix,' picks up the threads from 'Forest of a Thousand Lanterns' but stands strong on its own. I binged both in a weekend—Dao’s prose is addictive. The way she blends beauty and brutality in Xifeng’s story stuck with me for weeks. Perfect for fans of 'The Cruel Prince' or 'Six of Crows.'
Yep, it’s part of a duology! 'Forest of a Thousand Lanterns' sets up Xifeng’s ruthless climb to power, and 'Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix' shifts focus to Princess Jade’s quest to stop her. What’s cool is how Dao flips the script—instead of a traditional hero, we get a villain’s POV first. The books aren’t just connected by plot; the themes of destiny vs. choice echo throughout. If you like antiheroes and rich cultural details, this series delivers.
It’s a two-book series, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. So many fantasies drag on, but Dao’s duology feels tight and purposeful. 'Forest of a Thousand Lanterns' hooks you with its morally complex heroine, and the sequel broadens the world without losing momentum. I love how the books contrast—one’s about gaining power, the other about reclaiming it. Plus, the folklore elements? Chef’s kiss.
Yes, and what a series! The first book is all about Xifeng’s descent into darkness, while the sequel flips to a more hopeful tone with Jade. Dao’s writing is like a painted scroll—vivid and detailed. If you enjoy fairy tales with teeth, this duo is worth your shelf space.
Julie C Dao's 'Forest of a Thousand Lanterns' is actually the first book in what's known as the Rise of the Empress series. It's a dark, lush retelling of the Evil Queen's origin story from 'Snow White,' but with East Asian folklore woven into every page. The sequel, 'Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix,' continues the saga with a new protagonist, tying back to the first book’s events in such a satisfying way. I adore how Dao doesn’t shy away from morally gray characters—Xifeng’s journey from village girl to empress is chilling and mesmerizing.
If you’re into fairy tale retellings with a twist, this duology is a must-read. The world-building feels immersive, almost like you can smell the incense in the palace halls or feel the weight of those thousand lanterns. It’s rare to find standalone fantasy novels these days, but Dao wraps up the core storylines neatly while leaving room for the sequel to expand the universe. Plus, the covers are gorgeous—I’d buy them for the art alone.
2026-04-15 19:12:16
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The Azure Moon Series - Complete Collection
Deborah A
9.6
158.4K
The Twin Alpha's Mate - After finishing medical school. Summer is looking forward to being a doctor in her hometown. But the future Luna hates her. For her own safety, it is necessary for Summer to leave the pack she adores and the family she loves.
Summer doesn't realize that she got pregnant from the pair of men she slept with at the ‘Representatives Meeting' during the last Blue Moon.
Summer must quickly adapt to her new life as a single mother in a new pack and new job. Can she manage? Of course she can. She will not fail.
The Blue Moon brings about a period of dormancy for all wolves. Summer’s medical skills are needed. This results in a treaty with the local rogue pack. Making Crystal Lake Pack the safest place in the Wolf Kingdom for wolves to live.
Which is great for the Alpha of Crystal Lake Pack. But not good for Summer, who prefers to keep a low profile. It significantly complicates Summer’s life when the royal family, and the royal guard, decide to pay a visit. They are not the only ones though.
Book 2 - His Lost Luna
Book 3 - Future Alpha Nix?
Book 4 - Eclipse Enlightened
“I reject you.”
Three words shattered her soul.
Her mate bond severed, her future stolen.
But in the silence of heartbreak… the Moon Goddess answered.
Four Alphas. Four packs.
One Queen Luna to unite them or be their undoing
Book One
A Choice Lost to Fate
Evandra Johnson is the Luna of the Pearl Pack and life is going great.... until it isn't. What she thought was a happy marriage to the love of her life, Jalen, her mate and Alpha, turns to something she doesn't recognize overnight. How did she not see the signs? He chose an Omega over her and now the pack will have a new Luna.
Now she is faced with heartbreak, pain, humiliation, and a new sense of hopelessness. She has no family to turn to, no friends outside of the Pearl Pack and nowhere to go. Staying a lone wolf means she accepts the status of a rogue. But approaching another pack's territory could cost her life.
After her mate's rejection and being banished from her pack, she must figure out her own way. Although she is a trained warrior and has a fierce wolf spirit within her, many dangers await in the forest. She is weakened by the strain of her mate's rejection, making her vulnerable and putting her at great risk.
Can she find herself before her wolf becomes a feral beast she no longer can control, or will she rise above?
*Sexually graphic scenes, multiple mates.
The Fated Series is a fast-paced shifter romance mini series presented to you in three parts.
Book One: A Choice Lost to Fate
Book Two: A Choice to Survive
Book Three: A Choice Bound in Blood
Soleil Summer is a rather ordinary 17 year old School girl, a bit shy and unassuming … at least until her world is turned upside down. First she meets the very handsome Luca, the New boy in school … and she also can’t help but notice the alluring King of the vampire goths.
And then of course there is the fact that on her 18th birthday a coven of witches comes to knock on her door.
Soleil is a witch, fated to kill the werewolves, what she doesn’t know is that her beloved Luca is a wolf and her mate, a mate she has to kill to break the ancient curse.
And in the background the dark one, an immense evil power lurks, and he has his eyes on Soleil.
This is a full series of 3 books in one … each New book starts with a chapter marked 1.
Warning: Every chapter starting with *The vampire* may contain violent murders and kinky sex
⚠️ Warning: This collection contains taboo age-gap romances, raw passion, and forbidden encounters that will leave you breathless. Read at your own risk.
One hundred nights. One hundred forbidden desires. One hundred ways to surrender to the fire.
In this raw and unapologetically steamy collection, boundaries are crossed, age gaps burn hotter than reason, and taboos become irresistible pleasures. From powerful men who should know better, to innocent souls who can’t resist temptation, 100 Nights of Forbidden Fire takes you deep into a world where the rules don’t apply, and every encounter is hotter than the last.
Whether it is the allure of the older neighbor, the danger of the untouchable boss, or the thrill of a love that society calls forbidden, each story is a pulse-racing escape into passion without limits.
Are you ready for a hundred nights of raw, forbidden fire?
Book 1 My BestFriend
Zoe
He was just my best friend until I found out how his lips taste.
Sky
She was just my best friend until I caught her using the vibrator.
***
Book 2 My Stepbrother
Stella
I was a broken soul, and I never thought that I would be healed by my stepbrother.
Alex
My stepsister, whom I thought would hate her, but she became the one and only person whom I desire deeply.
***
Book 3 My Father’s Friend
Selena
Since I was young, I accepted that I would marry the man of my father's choice, so I always kept my heart shielded. But everything changed when I kissed my father’s friend.
James
I had always been clear in my mind that I would never settle down with just one woman, but everything changed the moment I tasted my friend's daughter.
Eclipsed Hearts: The Chronicle of Shadows and Stars
Sarah Richard
0
1.3K
When kingdoms burn and crowns are shattered, one hidden heiress must rise from the shadows.
Serenya Vale has lived her life in disguise, hiding a truth that could ignite a war. But when destiny collides with Kaelen Draven, a mysterious protector with secrets of his own, their bond sparks a forbidden love that could either heal or destroy their world.
As rival heirs, ruthless dukes, and ancient prophecies weave a web of betrayal, Serenya must decide: will she claim her throne and crown herself in fire, or surrender her heart and lose everything?
In a saga of 100 chapters filled with betrayal, passion, and kingdom-shattering twists, Eclipsed Hearts: The Chronicle of Shadows and Stars is a breathtaking journey of love, sacrifice, and the fight for a destiny written in both shadows and starlight.
Man, Julie C Dao's books always hit different for me—her lush, fairy-tale-inspired prose in 'Forest of a Thousand Lanterns' was chef’s kiss. Last I checked, she hasn’t announced anything new yet, but she’s pretty active on Twitter, so I’d stalk her there for updates. Her last release, 'The Monsoon Bride', was a standalone, and given how meticulous she is with world-building, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s cooking something epic. Fingers crossed for another Asian-inspired fantasy!
Side note: If you’re jonesing for similar vibes while waiting, try Natasha Ngan’s 'Girls of Paper and Fire' or Joan He’s 'Descendant of the Crane'. Both have that rich, cultural depth Julie does so well.